NEW-LOOK FC UNITED

Source: Non-league Daily

On the eve of the Evo-Stik League Premier Division starting, Karl Marginson, manager of FC United of Manchester, added two more players to his first-team squad – making it thirteen newcomers in total.

Wide player Chris Ovington has crossed the Pennines to join from league rivals Bradford Park Avenue.

Ovington signed a two-year contract with Garforth Town in September 2009 after joining them following nine years with neighbours Leeds United.

Ovington, an attacking player with blistering pace, impressed Garforth`s management after receiving the man of the match award against them when playing on loan at Guiseley in the FA Cup the previous season.

He moved onto to Park Avenue in January 2010.

Josh Burke is actually returning to FC United after a spell with groundsharers Bury.

The teenage midfielder came through the ranks at FC United before making a brief sojourn to their landlords.

Amongst Marginson`s other recruits are Zach Hibbert – 20-year-old goalkeeper who has joined from Chorley, Scott McManus, also 21 and a former Manchester United trainee and Crewe Alexandra central defender, Martin Parker, a centre back from Vodkat North West Counties League neighbours Glossop North End, and Lee Neville, a 21-year-old left-back and winger, who re-joins the club after having a brief spell training with the squad in February 2009.

Three more experienced signings include Richard Battersby, a 31-year-old right-back who has played for the likes of Stalybridge Celtic, Altrincham and Northwich Victoria, prolific striker Mike Norton, 29, who has scored ten in nine pre-season appearances for FC United after netting over 200 goals for Curzon Ashton, and 37-year-old Colin Little (pictured).

The former Crewe, Macclesfield and Hyde United striker has joined FC United following a six-year spell at Altrincham.

However, ex-Stalybridge Celtic, AFC Telford United and Altrincham midfielder Steve Torpey, who has been playing for FC United during the pre-season, is now considering his options on where to play his football.

FC United`s assistant boss Roy Soule said: “Steve has received offers from a number of clubs higher up the non-League Pyramid and so he is considering his options.

"Steve is well aware of our financial situation and he has to decide what the right option is for him. He’s got a close affiliation to the club and he’s really enjoyed his pre-season, so we’re hopeful but the decision rests with Steve.”

The door has also been left open for a number of FC United`s other summer triallists, including former midfielder Tunji Moses.

Nick Swirad has been playing for Vodkat North West Counties League side New Mills and it is hoped similar `loan` deals can be arranged for Jamie Mack and Grant Shenton, although both those players are yet to register for FC United this season.

Soule added: “I’ve been to see Nick play recently for New Mills against Atherton LR. We like to go see them ourselves and not leave them to dwell in oblivion. Nick is doing very well and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him. We’re in discussions to get Jamie and Grant clubs too.”